Dr. Karen Michelle Devon – General Surgeon | Toronto, ON

Dr. Karen Michelle Devon is a skilled General Surgeon, specializing in a comprehensive range of surgical treatments. Practicing at the Grand River Hospital, Freeport Site in Toronto, ON, she provides expert surgical care within a modern, patient-centered environment. Her primary focus is on delivering high-quality services in a facility that emphasizes patient comfort, safety, and privacy. Dr. Devon's practice is dedicated to offering thorough consultation, precise diagnosis, and effective surgical management, ensuring each patient receives personalized attention from initial assessment through post-operative follow-up.

She has earned her medical degree from McGill University Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences in Canada. With over 14 years of experience as a General Surgeon since 2010, she is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). Her extensive training and commitment to continuous professional development enable her to stay current with the latest surgical techniques and standards of care.

Dr. Devon’s professional philosophy centers on providing safe, effective, and evidence-based surgical care. She emphasizes clear communication, shared decision-making, and a patient-centered approach, utilizing minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate to facilitate quicker recovery. She collaborates with multidisciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive management of her patients. Fluent in English, French, German, and Yiddish, she is dedicated to serving a diverse patient population in Toronto with compassion and excellence.

Dr. Karen Devon provides surgical treatment for a diverse range of conditions, including:

Abdominal and Digestive System Conditions

Dr. Devon addresses conditions requiring surgical intervention for diagnosis or treatment of the gastrointestinal tract and related abdominal organs.

• Appendicitis: If untreated, can lead to rupture and peritonitis.
• Gallstones (Cholelithiasis) and Gallbladder Disease (Cholecystitis): Surgical removal of the gallbladder (cholecystectomy) is a common treatment.
• Bowel Obstruction (Small or Large Intestine): Often requires urgent surgical intervention to relieve the obstruction.

Cancers and Tumors (Surgical Oncology)

Dr. Devon addresses surgical removal of malignant tumors and often nearby lymph nodes, as a key component of cancer therapy.

• Liver Tumors (Primary or Metastatic - select cases): Requires specialized hepatobiliary surgical expertise.
• Pancreatic Cancer (when resectable): Surgery is an option for a subset of patients with localized disease.

This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation and to discuss whether surgery is appropriate for your specific condition, a consultation with Dr. Karen Devon is necessary.

• Sigmoidoscopy: Examination of the lower part of the colon (sigmoid colon) using a flexible or rigid scope.
• Upper GI Endoscopy (Gastroscopy / EGD): Used to investigate symptoms like heartburn, abdominal pain, difficulty swallowing, or bleeding; can include biopsies or minor interventions.
• Laparoscopic Surgery (Minimally Invasive Surgery): Performing various abdominal surgeries using small incisions and specialized camera/instruments.
• Pre-operative Assessment and Planning: Thorough evaluation of patient fitness for surgery and detailed surgical planning.
• Colonoscopy: Diagnostic and screening examination of the entire colon (large intestine) using a flexible camera.
• Breast Surgery (e.g., Lumpectomy, Mastectomy, Biopsy): Surgical procedures for benign and malignant breast conditions.

Note: This list provides an overview of common surgical areas. Specific procedures and treatment plans are determined on an individual basis after consultation with Dr. Devon.

All surgical services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) and relevant Canadian Association of General Surgeons (CAGS) and relevant surgical best practices. A referral from a physician is typically required for consultation.

Dr. Devon’s primary clinic is located at the Grand River Hospital, Freeport Site, situated in Toronto’s University of Toronto, Harbord neighborhood. The clinic offers a welcoming and professional environment for consultations and follow-up surgical care. Surgical procedures are typically performed at the University Health Network Hospital, which is easily accessible via public transportation, including TTC Subway, Streetcar, and Bus routes. The clinic and hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed to prioritize patient comfort and privacy. Parking is generally available at or near the hospital and clinic locations, with designated accessible spots. The practice is conveniently located near Port Lands, with excellent access for patients from various parts of Toronto and surrounding areas. The environment emphasizes safety, efficiency, and personalized care tailored to each patient's needs.

What does a General Surgeon like Dr. Devon do?

A General Surgeon, such as Dr. Devon, is a highly trained physician specializing in the diagnosis and surgical treatment of a broad range of diseases affecting various parts of the body. Their expertise commonly includes conditions of the abdomen (e.g., appendix, gallbladder, intestines, stomach), breast, skin, soft tissues, and endocrine system (e.g., thyroid). They perform both elective and emergency surgeries and are skilled in pre-operative, operative, and post-operative patient care. As a General Surgeon, Dr. Devon provides comprehensive surgical management.

What types of surgical procedures does Dr. Devon perform?

Dr. Devon, a General Surgeon, performs a wide range of surgeries. These frequently involve organs in the abdomen, such as the gallbladder, appendix, stomach, and intestines. They also address hernias, conditions of the breast, thyroid gland, and skin/soft tissue masses. Depending on the condition and patient, Dr. Devon may use traditional open surgery or advanced minimally invasive (laparoscopic) methods.

Does Dr. Devon perform laparoscopic (minimally invasive) surgery?

It's common for General Surgeons such as Dr. Devon to offer minimally invasive surgical options, including laparoscopic procedures. This approach can lead to benefits like reduced pain and quicker recovery times for many common surgeries. The suitability of laparoscopic surgery depends on the specific medical condition and individual patient factors, which Dr. Devon would evaluate and discuss with you during your consultation.

When would I typically need a referral to see a General Surgeon like Dr. Devon?

A referral to a General Surgeon like Dr. Devon is usually made by your family doctor or another specialist when a condition is suspected or diagnosed that may require surgical evaluation or treatment. This could include persistent abdominal pain, a new lump or mass (e.g., in the breast or skin), symptoms of gallbladder disease, a hernia, signs of appendicitis, or concerns about colorectal conditions. They also manage conditions initially identified through screening, like colon polyps or early-stage breast cancer.

Do General Surgeons like Dr. Devon ever specialize further?

Yes, while General Surgery provides a broad foundation, many General Surgeons like Dr. Devon may develop particular areas of interest or pursue additional fellowship training in subspecialties. These can include areas like colorectal surgery, breast surgery, endocrine surgery, surgical oncology (cancer surgery), trauma/critical care surgery, vascular surgery, or pediatric surgery. If Dr. Devon has such a focus, it will be part of the expertise her brings to patient care. General surgeons perform a wide variety of common surgical procedures and can manage many different types of conditions.

Grand River Hospital, Freeport Site
76 Grenville Street
Toronto, ON M5S 1B2

Clinic Phone: (416) 323-6400 | Clinic Fax: (416) 323-6308

The clinic and affiliated hospital facilities are wheelchair accessible and designed for patient comfort and privacy.

Dr. Devon is a licensed General Surgeon regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) under the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 and Medicine Act, 1991 in ON. A referral from a family physician or another specialist is generally required for a consultation with Dr. Devon for services covered by the provincial health plan (Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)).

Verify Dr. Devon's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Devon-Karen-Michelle/0214390-80909